Laminar flow collar for use in a wastewater management system

ABSTRACT

A laminar flow collar for use with an effluent pump in a septic system. The laminar flow collar is a cylinder having a closed bottom and an open top portion. The laminar flow collar includes a plurality of holes drilled about the periphery of the cylinder at a certain distance from the bottom. The laminar flow collar sits on the bottom of the tank and the plurality of holes are positioned at a certain height from the bottom of the septic tank and below the surface of the effluent so as not to draw in “scum” floating on the top of the septic tank. The plurality of holes are engineered to match the pump flow so that flow into the collar is laminar, thereby avoiding turbulence in the tank which would otherwise stir up the sludge at the bottom of the tank. The effluent pump is inserted into a second cylinder which is placed within the laminar flow collar.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a wastewater managementsystem which maintains a laminar flow of wastewater (e.g., effluent) ina septic system and, more particularly, to a wastewater managementsystem having a laminar flow collar which maintains a laminar flow ofeffluent within the septic system prior to discharging into anabsorption field.

2. Background Description

In the absence of conventional public wastewater disposal and treatmentsystems, it is not uncommon for residential and small businesses to useon-site wastewater management systems. Typically, these wastewatermanagement systems include a septic tank, and under certain conditionsmay additionally include a pump tank for discharging septic effluentinto an absorption field.

In one such conventional system, wastewater flows into and out of theseptic tank via baffled input and output pipes. These baffled input andoutput pipes slow the flow of water and prevent sewage from flowingdirectly through the septic tank. In the septic tank, solids are settledon the bottom of the tank while lighter particles including grease andfoam float to the surface and form a layer of scum. The solid materialin the septic tank is then broken down via a bacterial action.

The septic effluent may then be directed into the absorption field bygravity or, alternatively, may flow into a pump tank which doses theabsorption field with the septic effluent. However, it is not uncommonfor the solid waste to also flow into the pump tank. This usually occurswhen the septic tank overflows due to high volume use and the like, andusually occurs despite the fact that baffles are positioned at theoutput of the septic tank. Similar to the septic tank, once the septiceffluent including the solid waste flows into the pump tank, the solidssettle on the bottom of the tank while lighter particles includinggrease and foam float to the surface and form a layer of scum.

A liquid pump within the pump tank (or septic tank) then provides ameans for discharging the effluent into the absorption field. However,current systems have a tendency to create turbulent conditions withinthe tank (either a pump tank or a septic tank or the like) during thedosing process. These turbulent conditions, in turn, disturb the solidwaste at the bottom of the pump tank as well as the scum on the surfaceof the effluent at the top of the tank such that the solid waste and thescum usually enter the intake ports of the pump. This leads to cloggingof the pump which, in turn, may lead to a failure of the pump whichwould greatly increase the cost of maintenance of the wastewatermanagement system. It is also noted that the efficiency of the system isalso greatly reduced.

Solid pumps may also be used to discharge the septic effluent from thetank into the absorption field. However, solid pumps are not veryefficient and cannot reach high heads. Thus, multiple stations or pumptanks are needed when using solid pumps, which greatly adds to the costof the wastewater management system. Thus, the use of multiple stationsor pump tanks is very expensive and still is not as efficient as the useof liquid pumps.

By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. Re. 32,312 to Crates et al. disclose aninlet and outlet baffle structure for sewage treatment tanks. Thestructure includes a septic tank ‘A’ which has opposing arcuate walls.An inlet 20 and an outlet 40 are disposed within the opposing arcuateside walls. The inlet includes first, second and third portions 60, 70and 80. Incoming raw sewage is received in the first portion 60 anddrops through the second portion 80. The sewage is slowed by the thirdportion 90 which absorbs some of the kinetic energy of the sewage. Thereduced velocity reduces the turbulence in the tank; however, it appearsthat there still may be some turbulence still present in the tank.

As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,605,220 to R. P. Logan discloses ananaerobic digester including a closed tank with inlet and outlets. Apropeller 23 is located within an upward extending tube 24. Thepropeller 23 violently agitates the fluid within the tank.

Moreover, U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,821 to Murphy discloses a tank having aninfluent delivery system 12 which delivers influent through a pipe tee20 and pipe section 21 into substantially the bottom section of acollector 28. A circular partition 26, being larger in circumferencethan collector 28, creates a pre-stratification zone 27. Multiple airdiffusers 30 are connected to a drop pipe 31 with the upper end of droppipe 31 being connected to a conventional air compressor 58 which ismounted within the manway 56. A floating decanter base section 35 and asubmersible motor 36 and suction pump 38 are provided in the tank 11.

What is needed is a wastewater management system that is capable ofusing a liquid pump having high head capabilities without being cloggedby solid waste during the dosing process. This system would also controlthe effluent flow into the absorption field such that the absorptionfield is utilized in an efficient manner thereby providing enhancedeffluent quality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide awastewater management system that prevents turbulence of effluent withineither a septic tank or a pump tank or the like.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a wastewatermanagement system that prevents a dosing pump from being clogged withsolid waste or scum during discharge of effluent into an absorptionfield throughout a range of effluent flows.

It is also a further object of the present invention to provide awastewater management system that includes a laminar flow collar forhousing a dosing pump having high head capabilities and which furthermaintains a laminar flow of the effluent throughout a range of effluentflows.

It is a also an object of the present invention to provide a wastewatermanagement system that provides a cooling tower for cooling a dosingpump.

According to the invention, there is provided a laminar flow collarwhich prevents turbulence from being created in a septic systemthroughout a range of effluent flows. That is, the laminar flow collarof the present invention maintains a laminar flow of effluent within theseptic system. The laminar flow of effluent in the septic systemprevents a dosing pump (preferably a liquid pump) from becoming cloggedwhich may lead to failure of the dosing pump.

The laminar flow collar includes a cylinder having a closed bottom andan open top portion. The cylinder further includes a plurality of holespositioned about the periphery of the cylinder at a certain distancefrom the bottom. The diameter and number of holes within the cylinder incombination with the flow rate of the dosing pump maintains the laminarflow of the effluent within the septic system and preferably withineither a septic tank or a pump tank or the like. The dosing pump isinserted into a pump cylinder which is placed within the laminar flowcollar cylinder. The flow collar acts as a receptacle and a guide tubefor the placement of the dosing pump within the tank. This pump cylinderis open at the bottom for the pump intake and at the top terminates in afrustro-conical fitting that connects to an effluent pipe. The laminarflow collar assembly sits on the bottom of the tank and the plurality ofholes are positioned between the solid waste (e.g., sludge) which hassettled at the bottom of the tank and the scum floating near the top ofthe tank.

The plurality of holes are engineered to match the pump flow so thateffluent flowing into the collar is laminar, thereby avoiding turbulencein the tank which would otherwise stir up the sludge at the bottom ofthe tank. This prevents the solids and scum from entering the inputports of the pump which may clog the pump and lead to a pump failure.Also, the pump cylinder also provides a reduced volume which increasethe flow rate of the effluent at the bottom of the flow collar cylinder.This ensures that particulate matter will not accumulate at the bottomof the flow collar cylinder thus reducing the efficiency of the dosingpump.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, aspects and advantages will be betterunderstood from the following detailed description of a preferredembodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a flow collar cylinder of the laminar flow collar of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 shows a disassembled pump cylinder for housing a pump;

FIG. 3a shows an assembled laminar flow collar of the present invention;

FIG. 3b shows a cross section of the laminar flow collar of the presentinvention along lines 3—3 of FIG. 3a;

FIG. 4 shows the laminar flow collar of the present invention insertedin a septic system; and

FIG. 5 shows a Moody Diagram charting laminar and turbulent flowconditions (Wastewater Engineering Treatment, Disposal & Reuse, Metcalfe& Eddy, Inc., 3^(rd) ed., pg. 1282).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a wastewater management systemhaving a laminar flow collar which maintains a laminar flow of effluentwithin the septic system prior to discharging into an absorption field.The present invention further has the advantage of preventing turbulenceof effluent within either a septic tank or a pump tank in order toprevent solid waste or scum from clogging the dosing pump throughout arange of effluent flows. This allows for maximum settling of solidmaterial at the bottom of the septic tank or pump tank.

In order to accomplish the above objectives, the present inventionincludes a laminar flow collar cylinder having a plurality of holespositioned about the periphery thereof at a certain distance from thebottom. The plurality of holes positioned about the periphery of thelaminar flow collar cylinder are engineered to match the pump flow rateso that effluent flowing into the laminar flow collar cylinder islaminar throughout a range of effluent flows. This avoids turbulence inthe tank which would otherwise stir up the sludge at the bottom of thetank. This further allows for maximum settling of the sludge at thebottom of the tank.

Positioned within the laminar flow collar cylinder is a pump cylinderwhich houses a dosing pump. In the preferred embodiments, the dosingpump is a liquid pump.

For illustrative purposes only a single embodiment of the laminar flowcollar will be described herein with reference to FIGS. 14. However, itwill be understood from the disclosure that the laminar flow collar ofthe present invention can be made of many materials and engineered toaccommodate various wastewater effluent flow rates and the like asprovided in the examples below. Therefore the specific dimensions of thelaminar flow collar, including length, width, shape and other variablesand quantities specified herein may vary with the type and size of thelaminar flow collar being used with the system contemplated herein.Therefore, numbers and dimensions specified herein are not to beconstrued as limitations on the scope of the present invention, but aremeant to be merely illustrative of one particular application of thepresent invention. It is also well understood by one of ordinary skillin the art that an important feature of the laminar flow collar of thepresent invention is to maintain a laminar flow of effluent in a septicsystem at various designed flow rates thereby preventing solid waste andthe like from clogging the inlet ports, impellers and the like of thedosing pump.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, there isshown a laminar flow collar cylinder of the laminar flow collar of thepresent invention Specifically, FIG. 1 show a laminar flow collarcylinder 10 having an open top end 16 and a plurality of holes 14 aboutthe periphery thereof. At bottom end of the laminar flow collar cylinder10 is a cap 12 which sits on a floor of the septic system (see FIG. 4).The holes 14 are preferably equally spaced apart from one another andare positioned so as to prevent suction from the dosing pump fromsuctioning the sludge at the bottom of the tank and scum at the surfaceof the effluent wastewater.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the laminar flow collar cylinder 10 and cap12 are made of (polyvinlechloride) PVC; however, any other materialsuitable for a septic system may be used with the present invention. Inthis embodiment, there are three rows of holes 14 about the periphery ofthe laminar flow collar cylinder 10 which are arranged at a totaldistance of approximately four inches, with a bottommost row of holes 14a approximately 16 inches from the bottom of the laminar flow collarcylinder 10. The height of the laminar flow collar cylinder 10 isapproximately 27½ inches with a diameter of approximately six inches. Inone preferred embodiment, there are 40 holes each having a diameter ofless than or equal to one inch but greater than or equal to ⅞ inch. Thisconfiguration is designed so that when the laminar flow collar of thepresent invention is positioned within the tank of a septic system, theholes 14 are located within the clear effluent, i.e., below the scumfloating on the surface of the tank and above the solid waste or sludgesettled at the bottom of the tank, thereby resulting in a laminar flowof the wastewater effluent.

As previously discussed, the dimensions discussed herein are not in anyway limiting, and other dimensions may equally be used depending on thecapacity of the septic system and the flow rate of the pump and thelike. For example, one further embodiment of the present invention isdesigned to include 30 holes each having a diameter greater than orequal to ⅞ inches and a flow rate of 15 gallons per minute. However, itis noted that other flow rates as well as number of holes and diametersof holes may equally be used with the present invention such as, forexample, an eight inch diameter laminar flow collar cylinder having 30holes about a periphery thereof and each having a diameter ofapproximately 1.15 inches.

It is important to note that the configuration (e.g., dimensions of theholes and the like) may vary depending on the different effluent flowrates and other variables used in different septic systems. However, itis important to stress that the present invention may accommodate anysystem according to the examples provided below. Thus, differentdiameter and number of holes and the like are contemplated so long asthe laminar flow collar of the present invention maintains a laminarflow within the septic system (e.g., a Reynolds Number of less than2000).

FIG. 2 shows a disassembled pump cylinder for housing a dosing pump. Thepump cylinder 20 includes an open bottom end 21 and an assembly 22coupled to the top portion of the pump cylinder 20. The diameter of thepump cylinder 20 is large enough to house a dosing pump therein butsmall enough to fit within the laminar flow collar cylinder 10. Theassembly 22 includes a half coupling 23 and an adapter 24 coupled to thehalf coupling 23. A pipe 26 is coupled to the adapter 24. A pressurebushing 28 is fitted over the pipe 26 and a reducing coupling 30 is thenfit over the entire assembly (e.g., half coupling 22, adapter 24, pipe26 and pressure bushing 28) such that the pressure bushing 28 and pipe26 extend into the upper portion of the reducing coupling 30. A couplingpipe 32 then extends from the reducing coupling 30 and leads to aneffluent discharge. The pipe 26 may be coupled to an output of thedosing pump.

It is further noted that the assembly 22 as well as the cylinder 20 mayalso act as a cooling tower for the dosing pump. That is, the assembly22 and the cylinder 20 provide for a uniform cooling of the dosing pumpwhen inserted into the wastewater effluent. This prolongs the life ofthe dosing pump.

Still referring to FIG. 2, it is noted that the assembly 22 is notcritical to the understanding of the present invention and is thusprovided herein as one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, one ofordinary skill in the art would readily recognize that other assemblies22 may be used with the present invention in order for the dosing pumpto discharge the effluent from the septic system. By way of example, thepresent invention would work equally well with a flat cap for sealingthe cylinder 20 instead of the half coupling 23 and the reducingcoupling 30.

FIG. 3a shows the assembled laminar flow collar of the presentinvention. As seen in FIG. 3, an upper portion of the pump cylinder 20and the assembly 22 protrude from the open end 16 of the laminar flowcollar cylinder 10. Although not shown, the coupling pipe 32 extendsfrom the reducing coupling 30 and leads to an effluent discharge. Theflow collar cylinder 10 may as a receptacle and a guide tube for theplacement of the dosing pump within the tank.

FIG. 3b shows a cross section of the laminar flow collar of the presentinvention along lines 3—3 of FIG. 3a. A dosing pump 36 is housed withinthe pump cylinder 20 such that a bottom of the dosing pump 36 rests onthe cap 12 of the laminar flow collar cylinder 10. As wastewatereffluent flows into the laminar flow collar cylinder 10 via the holes14, the water is forced down the sides of the laminar flow collarcylinder 10 between the inner surface of the laminar flow collarcylinder 10 and the outer surface of the pump cylinder 20 via thepumping action of the dosing pump 36. The wastewater effluent then flowsupward within the pump cylinder 20 between the inner surface of the pumpcylinder 20 and the outer surface of the dosing pump 36. The pumpcylinder 20 provides a reduced volume which increases the flow rate ofthe effluent at the bottom of the laminar flow collar cylinder 10 whichensures that particulate matter will not accumulate or settle at thebottom of the laminar flow collar cylinder 10 thus reducing theefficiency of the dosing pump. The wastewater effluent then flows intothe input ports and impellers 36 a of the dosing pump 36 for discharginginto the absorption field via the coupling pipe 32.

FIG. 4 shows the laminar flow collar of the present invention in aseptic system, e.g., a septic tank or pump tank or the like. As seen inFIG. 4, the holes 14 of the laminar flow collar cylinder 10 are locatedin the clear effluent. That is, the holes 14 are located between thesludge settled at the bottom of the tank and the scum that is floatingat the surface of the wastewater effluent. The level within the tank iscontrolled by a float valve 35.

In order to provide for a laminar flow using the laminar flow collar ofthe present invention, it is important to use the proper number of holesin combination with a proper diameter of each of the holes. By way ofexample, the following equations are used to show that particularembodiments of the laminar flow collar of the present invention may beused to provide a laminar flow within the pump tank or septic tank ofthe septic system. In these examples, it is assumed that the laminarflow collar of the present invention is used with wastewater temperatureof approximately 15 degrees Celsius (or 59 degrees Fahrenheit). Ofcourse, other temperature wastewater may equally be used the presentinvention, and that minor variations of the temperature of thewastewater will not affect the laminar flow of the wastewater as itflows through the laminar flow collar of the present invention.

It is further noted that the examples presented below are merelyillustrative of several particular embodiments of the present inventionand that other configurations (e.g., number and diameter of holes) ofthe laminar flow collar may equally be used, depending on such variablesas the flow rate (gallons per minute) of the wastewater, the diameter ofeach hole and the like. Thus, the present invention is in no way limitedto the illustrative examples presented below.

EXAMPLE I FLOW RATE OF 25 GALLON PER MINUTE FLOW RATE

The following is an example of equations used to determine proper holediameters for maintaining a laminar flow in laminar flow collarcylinders having 30 holes, 40 holes and 42 holes, and which is used in aseptic system having a flow rate of 25 gallons per minute. In theseequations, (i) “D” represents the diameter of each of the holes in thelaminar flow collar, (ii) ‘Re’ represents a Reynolds Number (a Re ofless than 2000 represents laminar flow conditions) (See FIG. 5).

The following equations assume a wastewater temperature of approximately15 degrees Celsius with a dynamic viscosity of 1.14×10⁻³ N.S/m² and adensity of 999 kg/m³ (see Table I attached below) where${{{Reynold}'}s\quad {Number}} = {{Re} = {{NR} = {{\rho \quad \frac{v\quad D}{\mu}} = \frac{{\rho \left( \frac{Q}{A} \right)}D}{\mu}}}}$${Density} = {\rho = {999\quad \frac{kg}{m^{3}}\quad \left( {{see}\quad {Table}\quad I\quad {attached}\quad {below}} \right)}}$$V = {\frac{Q}{A} = {\frac{\frac{m3}{S}}{m^{2}} = \frac{m}{s}}}$

Laminar Flow Collar Having 30 Holes

The following equations are solved to determine the flow rate per holeof a laminar flow collar using 30 holes.${{flow}\quad {rate}\quad {per}\quad {hole}} = {\frac{25\quad {gpm}}{30\quad {holes}} = {0.83\quad \frac{gpm}{\quad {hole}}}}$${0.83\quad \frac{gal}{\quad {\min.}} \times \frac{1\quad {ft}^{3}}{7.48\quad {gal}} \times \frac{\left( {12\quad {in}} \right)^{3}}{1\quad {ft}^{3}} \times \frac{\left( {2.54\quad {cm}} \right)^{3}}{1\quad {in}^{3}} \times \frac{1\quad m^{3}}{\left( {100\quad {cm}} \right)^{3}} \times \frac{1\quad {\min.}}{60\quad {\sec.}}} = {5.24 \times 10^{- 5}\frac{\quad \frac{\quad}{\quad}}{\quad h}}$

In order to determine the effective diameter for each of the holes inthe 30 hole laminar flow collar of the present invention, the ReynoldsNumber is set equal to 2000 and the below equation is solved for “D”,where “D” is the ideal diameter for each of the holes in the laminarflow collar using a 25 gallon per minute flow rate.$2000 = \frac{{\left( {999\quad \frac{kg}{m^{3}}} \right)(D)\frac{\left( {5.24 \times 10^{-}5\frac{m^{3}}{s}} \right)}{\frac{\pi}{4}(D)^{2}}}\quad}{1.14 \times 10^{-}3\quad \frac{N.S}{m^{2}}}$$D = {{0.02923\quad m \times \frac{100\quad {cm}}{1\quad m} \times \frac{1\quad {{in}.}}{2.54\quad {cm}}} = {1.15\quad {inch}}}$

It is thus found that each of the 30 holes should have a diameter ofapproximately 1.15 inches in order to provide a laminar flow in a septicsystem having a flow rate of 25 gallons per minute.

Laminar Flow Collar Having 40 Holes

The following equations are solved to determined the flow rate per holeof a laminar flow collar using 40 holes.${{flow}\quad {rate}\quad {per}\quad {hole}} = {\frac{25\quad {gpm}}{40\quad {holes}} = {0.625\quad \frac{gpm}{\quad {hole}}}}$$Q = {{0.625\quad \frac{gal}{\quad {\min.}} \times \frac{1\quad {ft}^{3}}{7.48\quad {gal}} \times \frac{\left( {12\quad \varepsilon} \right)^{3}}{1\quad {ft}^{3}} \times \frac{\left( {2.54\quad {cm}} \right)^{3}}{1\quad {in}^{3}} \times \frac{1\quad m^{3}}{(100\quad){cm}^{3}} \times \frac{1\quad {\min.}}{60\quad {\sec.}}} = {3.94 \times 10^{- 5}\frac{\frac{m}{s}}{\quad {hol}}}}$

In order to determine the effective diameter for each of the holes inthe 40 hole laminar flow collar of the present invention, the ReynoldsNumber is set equal to 2000 and the below equation is solved for “D”,where “D” is the ideal diameter for each of the holes in the laminarflow collar using a 25 gallon per minute flow rate.$2000 = \frac{{\left( {999\quad \frac{kg}{m^{3}}} \right)(D)\frac{\left( {3.94 \times 10^{- 5}\frac{m^{3}}{s}} \right)}{\frac{\pi}{4}(D)^{2}}}\quad}{1.14 \times 10^{- 3}\quad \frac{N.S}{m^{2}}}$$D = {{0.02198\quad m \times \frac{100\quad {cm}}{1\quad m} \times \frac{1\quad {{in}.}}{2.54\quad {cm}}} = {0.865\quad {inch}}}$

It is thus found that each of the 40 holes should have a diameter ofapproximately 0.865 inches in order to provide a laminar flow in aseptic system having a flow rate of 25 gallons per minute.

Laminar Flow Collar Having 42 Holes

By way of even further example, it is noted that 42 holes each having adiameter of ⅞ inches (0.02223 m) used with a 25 gallon per minute flowwould also result in a laminar flow. The following equations confirmsuch a configuration of one embodiment of the present invention.${{flow}\quad {rate}\quad {per}\quad {hole}} = {\frac{25\quad {gpm}}{42\quad {holes}} = {{0.595\quad \frac{gpm}{\quad {hole}}} = {{0.595\frac{gal}{\quad {\min.}} \times \frac{1\quad {ft}^{3}}{7.48\quad {gal}} \times \frac{\left( {12\quad {in}} \right)^{3}}{1\quad {ft}^{3}} \times \frac{(2.54\quad){cm}^{3}}{1\quad {in}^{3}} \times \frac{1\quad m^{3}}{\left( {100\quad {cm}} \right)^{3}} \times \frac{1\quad {\min.}}{60\quad \sec}} = {3754 \times 10^{- 5}\frac{\frac{m}{\quad}}{\quad {ho}}}}}}$${Re} = {\frac{{\left( {999\quad \frac{kg}{m^{3}}} \right)\left( {0.02223\quad m} \right)\frac{\left( {3.75 \times 10^{- 5}\frac{m^{3}}{s}} \right)}{\frac{\pi}{4}\left( {0.02223\quad m} \right)^{2}}}\quad}{1.14 \times 10^{- 3}\quad \frac{N.S}{m^{2}}} = 1882}$$D = {{0.02223\quad m \times \frac{100\quad {cm}}{1\quad m} \times \frac{1\quad {{in}.}}{2.54\quad {cm}}} = {0.875\quad {inch}}}$

Trial Tests for Laminar Flow Collar Using 40 Holes with ⅞ Inch and OneInch Diameter Holes

The following equation verifies that a drill bit having a diameter ofapproximately ⅞ inch (0.02223 m) for drilling 40 holes (each having acorresponding diameter of 0.02223 m) in the laminar flow collar of thepresent invention would result in a laminar flow (Re<2000).${Re} = {\frac{{\left( {999\quad \frac{kg}{m^{3}}} \right)\left( {0.02223\quad m} \right)\frac{\left( {3.94 \times 10^{- 5}\frac{m^{3}}{s}} \right)}{\frac{\pi}{4}\left( {0.02223\quad m} \right)^{2}}}\quad}{1.14 \times 10^{- 3}\quad \frac{N.S}{m^{2}}} = 1978}$

The following equation verifies that a drill bit having a diameter ofapproximately one inch (0.02540 m) for drilling 40 holes (each having acorresponding diameter of 0.02540 m) in the laminar flow collar of thepresent invention would result in a laminar flow (Re<2000).${Re} = {\frac{{\left( {999\quad \frac{kg}{m^{3}}} \right)\left( {0.02540\quad m} \right)\frac{\left( {3.94 \times 10^{- 5}\frac{m^{3}}{s}} \right)}{\frac{\pi}{4}\left( {0.02540\quad m} \right)^{2}}}\quad}{1.14 \times 10^{- 3}\quad \frac{N.S}{m^{2}}} = 1731}$

EXAMPLE II FLOW RATE OF 15 GALLON PER MINUTE FLOW RATE

By way of an additional example, the laminar flow collar of the presentinvention may work equally well with a flow rate of 15 gallons perminute and a laminar flow collar having 30 holes. In this example, eachhole has a diameter of approximately 0.6917 inches (0.01757 m). Thefollowing equations assume that the temperature of the wastewater isapproximately 15 degrees Celsius with a dynamic viscosity of 1.14×10⁻³N.S/m² and a density of 999 kg/m³ (see Table I attached below) where${Density} = {\rho = {999\quad \frac{kg}{m^{3}}}}$${{Reynolds}\quad {Number}} = {{Re} = {{NR} = {\frac{\rho \quad v\quad D}{\mu} = \frac{{\rho \left( \frac{Q}{A} \right)}D}{\mu}}}}$$V = {\frac{Q}{A} = \frac{\frac{m3}{S}}{m^{2}}}$

The following equations are used to determine the flow rate of a laminarflow collar of the${{flow}\quad {rate}\quad {per}\quad {hole}} = {\frac{15\quad {gpm}}{30\quad {holes}} = {{0.5\quad \frac{gpm}{\quad {hole}}} = {{0.5\quad \frac{gal}{\quad {\min.}} \times \frac{1\quad {ft}^{3}}{7.48\quad {gal}} \times \frac{\left( {12\quad {in}} \right)^{3}}{1\quad {ft}^{3}} \times \frac{\left( {2.54\quad {cm}} \right)^{3}}{1\quad {in}^{3}} \times \frac{1\quad m^{3}}{(100\quad){cm}^{3}} \times \frac{1\quad {\min.}}{60\quad \sec}} = {3.15 \times 10^{- 5}\frac{\frac{m}{s}}{\quad {ho}}}}}}$

In order to determine the effective diameter for each of the holes inthe 30 hole laminar flow collar of the present invention, the ReynoldsNumber is set equal to 2000 and the below equation is solved for “D”,where “D” is the ideal diameter for each of the holes in the laminarflow collar using a 15 gallon per minute flow rate.$2000 = \frac{{\left( {999\quad \frac{kg}{m^{3}}} \right)(D)\frac{\left( {3.15 \times 10^{-}5\frac{m^{3}}{s}} \right)}{\frac{\pi}{4}(D)^{2}}}\quad}{1.14 \times 10^{-}3\quad \frac{N.S}{m^{2}}}$$D = {{0.01757\quad m \times \frac{100\quad {cm}}{1\quad m} \times \frac{1\quad {{in}.}}{2.54\quad {cm}}} = {0.6917\quad {inch}}}$

It is thus found that each of the 30 holes should have a diameter ofapproximately 0.6917 inches in order to provide a laminar flow in aseptic system having a flow rate of 15 gallons per minute.

Trial Tests for Laminar Flow Collar Using 30 Holes with {fraction(11/16)} Inch and ¾ Inch Diameter Holes

The following equation verifies that a drill bit having a diameter of{fraction (11/16)} inch (0.01746 m) for drilling 30 holes (each having acorresponding diameter of 0.01746 m) in the laminar flow collar of thepresent invention would not result in a laminar flow (Re<2000).${Re} = {\frac{{\left( {999\quad \frac{kg}{m^{3}}} \right)\left( {0.01746\quad m} \right)\frac{\left( {3.15 \times 10^{- 5}\frac{m^{3}}{s}} \right)}{\frac{\pi}{4}\left( {0.01746\quad m} \right)^{2}}}\quad}{1.14 \times 10^{- 3}\quad \frac{N.S}{m^{2}}} = 2013}$

However, a further trial test was performed to determine that a ¾ inch(0.01905 m) drill bit would result in a laminar flow in an embodiment ofthe laminar flow collar of the present invention using 40 holes (eachhaving a corresponding diameter of 0.01905 m).${Re} = {\frac{{\left( {999\quad \frac{kg}{m^{3}}} \right)\left( {0.01905\quad m} \right)\frac{\left( {3.15 \times 10^{- 5}\frac{m^{3}}{s}} \right)}{\frac{\pi}{4}(0.01905)^{2}}}\quad}{1.14 \times 10^{- 3}\quad \frac{N.S}{m^{2}}} = 1845}$

In the preferred illustrative examples, a drill bit of less than oneinch but greater than or equal to ¾ inches in the examples is preferredto be used in order to drill the holes in the laminar flow collar of thepresent invention. Thus, a laminar flow collar having either 40 holes or42 holes (both used with a 25 gallon per minute flow rate) or a laminarflow collar having 30 holes (used with a 15 gallon per minute flow rate)is contemplated for use in the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention.

However, in further embodiments a laminar flow collar of the presentinvention may also use 30 holes each having a 1.15 inch diameter and thelike (for a 25 gallon per minute flow rate). It is further noted that byusing the above equations and knowing the temperature, density andviscosity of the wastewater as well as the Reynolds number and the like,one of skill in the art can easily determine other configurations of thelaminar flow collar of the present invention which would provide alaminar flow. Moreover, the spacing between holes may vary, but in thepreferred embodiments, the spacing between holes is approximately 0.92inches for an eight inch diameter collar having 3 rows of 14 holes(total of 42 holes) (The spacing and amount of holes will vary dependingon the diameter of the pipe.) The density and viscosity of thewastewater is determined from Table I below.

TABLE I TABLE A.5 APPROXIMATE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER° ATATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE Specific Dynamic Kinematic Vapor TemperatureDensity weight viscosity viscosity pressure kg/m³ N/m³ N · s/m² m²/sN/m² abs.  0° C. 1000  9810 1.79 × 10⁻³ 1.79 × 10⁻⁶  611  5° C. 1000 9810 1.51 × 10⁻³ 1.51 × 10⁻⁶  872 10° C. = 50° F. 1000  9810 1.31 × 10⁻³1.31 × 10⁻⁶ 1230 15° C. = 59° F. 999 9800 1.14 × 10⁻³ 1.14 × 10⁻⁶ 170020° C. 998 9790 1.00 × 10⁻³ 1.00 × 10⁻⁶ 2340 25° C. 997 9781 8.91 × 10⁻⁴8.94 × 10⁻⁷ 3170 30° C. 996 9771 7.97 × 10⁻⁴ 8.00 × 10⁻⁷ 4250 35° C. 9949751 7.20 × 10⁻⁴ 7.24 × 10⁻⁷ 5630 40° C. 992 9732 6.53 × 10⁻⁴ 6.58 ×10⁻⁷ 7380 50° C. 988 9693 5.47 × 10⁻⁴ 5.53 × 10⁻⁷ 12,300   60° C. 9839643 4.66 × 10⁻⁴ 4.74 × 10⁻⁷ 20,000   70° C. 978 9594 4.04 × 10⁻⁴ 4.13 ×10⁻⁷ 31,200   80° C. 972 9535 3.54 × 10⁻⁴ 3.64 × 10⁻⁷ 47,400   90° C.965 9467 3.15 × 10⁻⁴ 3.26 × 10⁻⁷ 70,100   100° C.  958 9398 2.82 × 10⁻⁴2.94 × 10⁻⁷ 101,300   slugs/ft³ lbf/ft³ lbf-s/ft³ ft²/s psis 40° F. 1.9462.43 3.23 × 10⁻⁵ 1.66 × 10⁻⁵ 0.122 50° F. 1.94 62.40 2.73 × 10⁻⁵ 1.41 ×10⁻⁵ 0.178 60° F. 1.94 62.37 2.36 × 10⁻⁵ 1.22 × 10⁻⁵ 0.256 70° F. 1.9462.30 2.05 × 10⁻⁵ 1.06 × 10⁻⁵ 0.363 80° F. 1.93 62.22 1.80 × 10⁻⁵ 0.930× 10⁻⁵  0.506 100° F.  1.93 62.00 1.42 × 10⁻⁵ 0.739 × 10⁻⁵  0.949 120°F.  1.92 61.72 1.17 × 10⁻⁵ 0.609 × 10⁻⁵  1.69  140° F.  1.91 61.38 0.981× 10⁻⁵  0.514 × 10⁻⁵  2.89  160° F.  1.90 61.00 0.838 × 10⁻⁵  0.442 ×10⁻⁵  4.74  180° F.  1.88 60.58 0.726 × 10⁻⁵  0.385 × 10⁻⁵  7.51  200°F.  1.87 60.12 0.637 × 10⁻⁵  0.341 × 10⁻⁵  11.53  212° F.  1.86 59.830.593 × 10⁻⁵  0.319 × 10⁻⁵  14.70 

(Engineering Fluid Dynamics, Roberson/Crowe, 4^(th) ed., App. A-24)

While the invention has been described in terms of a single preferredembodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventioncan be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of theappended claims.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new and desire tosecure by letters patent is as follows:
 1. A laminar flow collar adaptedfor use in a septic system having a dosing pump, the laminar flow collarcomprising: a laminar flow collar cylinder having spaced apart holes,the spaced apart holes having a predetermined diameter which match apump flow rate of the dosing pump thereby maintaining a laminar flow ofeffluent flowing within the laminar flow collar cylinder; and a pumpcylinder for housing the dosing pump, wherein the laminar flow collarcylinder acts as a receptacle for the dosing pump in the pump cylinderand a guide for proper placement of the dosing pump within a tank. 2.The laminar flow collar of claim 1, wherein the pump cylinder and thelaminar flow collar cylinder form a reduced volume area within thelaminar flow collar cylinder, the reduced volume area increases a flowrate of the effluent flowing within the laminar flow collar cylinder inorder to prevent particulate matter from settling or accumulating at abottom of the laminar flow collar cylinder.
 3. The laminar flow collarof claim 1, wherein: the effluent has a flow rate of 25 gallons perminute; the spaced apart holes have a diameter greater thanapproximately ⅞ inches but less than approximately 1.15 inches; and thespaced apart holes include one of 30, 40 and 42 holes.
 4. The laminarflow collar of claim 3, wherein the spaced apart holes have a diameterof between the range of approximately ⅞ inch to one inch and the spacedapart holes include 40 or 42 holes.
 5. The laminar flow collar of claim3, wherein the spaced apart holes have a diameter of approximately 1.15inches and the spaced apart holes include 30 holes.
 6. The laminar flowcollar of claim 1, wherein: the effluent has a flow rate of 15 gallonsper minute; the spaced apart holes have a diameter of approximately ¾inches; and the spaced apart holes include 30 holes.
 7. The laminar flowcollar of claim 1, wherein the spaced apart holes are located at acertain height such that when the laminar flow collar cylinder is placedin a dosing tank the spaced apart holes are located within cleareffluent which is between solid waste settled at a bottom of the dosingtank and scum floating on a surface of the clear effluent.
 8. Thelaminar flow collar of claim 1, wherein the spaced apart holes maintaina laminar flow of the effluent flowing within the laminar flow collarcylinder at a range of flow rates.
 9. The laminar flow collar of claim1, wherein the spaced apart holes are evenly spaced apart from oneanother.
 10. The laminar flow collar of claim 1, wherein the spacedapart holes include multiple rows about a periphery of the laminar flowcollar cylinder.
 11. A laminar flow collar adapted for use in a septicsystem having a dosing pump, the laminar flow collar comprising: alaminar flow collar cylinder having spaced apart holes, the spaced apartholes having a predetermined diameter which match a pump flow rate ofthe dosing pump thereby maintaining a laminar flow of effluent flowingwithin the laminar flow collar cylinder; and means for uniformly coolingthe dosing pump, the cooling means being a pump cylinder which housesthe dosing pump within the laminar flow collar cylinder.
 12. A laminarflow collar adapted for use in a septic system having a dosing pump, thelaminar flow collar comprising: a laminar flow collar cylinder havingspaced apart holes, the spaced apart holes having a predetermineddiameter which match a pump flow rate of the dosing pump; and a pumpcylinder for housing the dosing pump, the pump cylinder fittingpartially within the laminar flow collar cylinder, wherein effluent inthe septic system flows in a laminar manner through the spaced apartholes in response to suction created from the dosing pump, the spacedapart holes are at a height on the laminar flow collar cylinder suchthat the spaced apart holes are located within clear effluent when thelaminar flow collar cylinder is in a dosing tank.
 13. The flow collar ofclaim 12, wherein: the dosing pump rests at a bottom of the laminar flowcollar cylinder, the pump cylinder and the laminar flow collar cylinderform a reduced volume area within the laminar flow collar cylinder, thereduced volume area increases a flow rate of the effluent flowing withinthe laminar flow collar cylinder such that particulate matter isprevented from settling or accumulating at the bottom of the laminarflow collar cylinder and clogging the dosing pump.
 14. The laminar flowcollar of claim 12, wherein the location of the spaced apart holesallows for settling of solid waste and sludge at a bottom of the laminarflow collar cylinder.
 15. The laminar flow collar of claim 12, whereinthe pump cylinder is a cooling tower for cooling the dosing pump withinthe laminar flow collar cylinder.
 16. The laminar flow collar of claim12, wherein: the effluent has a flow rate of 25 gallons per minute; thespaced apart holes have a diameter between the range of approximately ⅞inch to one inch; and the spaced apart holes include 40 or 42 holes. 17.The laminar flow collar of claim 12, wherein: the effluent has a flowrate of 25 gallons per minute; and the spaced apart holes have adiameter of approximately 1.15 inches; and the spaced apart holesinclude 30 holes.
 18. The laminar flow collar of claim 12, wherein: theeffluent has a flow rate of 15 gallons per minute; the spaced apartholes have a diameter of approximately ¾ inches; and the spaced apartholes include 30 holes.